What is the best cardio besides running? I ran a marathon in hs and I messed up my knee, then messed it up even more marching 19 hrs with GI boots during bootcamp for 2 months. Now every time i run they have this annoying dull pain and I hate going up or down the stairs....

Whats the best cardio? I feel that if I dont sweat and get my heart rate up as I do running, im just wasting my time...

Any ideas???

I don't know what others will say but I really like the ArcTrainer machine. Don't really know how it would work with knee problems but I get a VERY good workout from it

I would also like to know because I am afraid of the damage I could cause to my knee. Sometimes I use a stationary bike and elliptical but that's pretty boring. I used to use a punching bag which was good but now I don't have a spot for it

Carthonn,
I'm in the same situation. My left knee is hurting something feirce! I was thinking about running, but I don't dare until that knee situation gets worked out.

the best cardio is the one that you can do and stick with... or at least change up so you don't get bored with it... but the best answer is the one that you will do...

dance, walk, run...

I see where you're coming from, because I've been running for a few years and I feel like if I don't run I'm wasting my time. There are actually tons of activities that are beneficial and less demanding on your joints. Try different things (gym equipment, kickboxing, biking, swimming, climbing) and see what you enjoy the most and what gets your heart pumping. Good luck!

Howdoi, I'm sorry about your knee, it must be awful ebing kept from something you love. I also have bad knee's but lucky for me, I do NOT enjoy running. I am a huge cycling fan, but road bikes only, stay away from spin bikes or stationary bikes at the gym they can mess your knee up even more so. You can get a decent used road bike for a decent price, but its VERY VERY important to get it fitted professionally at a bike store. I think you'll enjoy road biking, its like running but covering 4 times the distance in half the time!

What do you mean fitted? As in the seat? I have a road bike (which currently sits in my bf's storage cuz i have no place at home), maybe ill give that a try (and cajoule him to come too!) instead of just being couch potatos when I go visit! Good advise thanks!

If you plan on using your bike frequently, you should take it to a bike shop and ask for them it "fit" it to you. This means they will adjust the seat height, seat tilt, handlebar positions, crank length, etc. This will ensure that your knees are placed in the right place above your pedals so that long term or vigorous riding doesn't cause any knee pain.

Morning,

I just tried the Precor Elliptical at the Y gym, and wow, what a super-smooth machine that is! I got my heartrate up there between 150-165 for 50 minutes or so.

I believe it was the

Precor Commercial EFX 576i

I'd love to have that at my home....

Barbara

Not that I have anything on hand to back this up, but for people with bad knees/legs I think swimming is supposed to be good because there's not so much strain on the knee... but you do still have to use it.

If you haven't done so already, it might be a really good idea to talk to a physiotherapist about what would help. They will give you an exercise programme to help your knee recover as well as suggesting the cardio sports/exercise that will suit you.

Knee injuries are tricky ones, especially if it involves tendons or joint damage (I got one a long time ago and it still haunts me sometimes, 20 years later) and you need to make sure it is repaired properly, otherwise you may end up paying for it when you are, ahem, *older*, like me!

jump rope...

Jump rope might not be so good for someone who has knee problems.

I'd recommend swimming or using an eliptical (maybe) or even walking at a fast pace.

-Tamara

Another good machine at most YMCAs is the Treadclimber. We just had a feature in the Life section of our newspaper where a woman lost almost 200 pounds just walking on the Treadclimber, and it's totally low impact.